REVIEW: Zoya Nail Polish

Zoya, Natural Nail Polish

Zoya, a natural nail polish brand that I have just fallen in love with! Created by a loving husband who wanted to protect his pregnant wife from the toxins in nail polishes, Zoya was created in 1986. 

I love nail polishes! But, many of them contain toxins that can seep into your nail bed and into your system, the thought always scares me! So imagine my delight when I found a nail brand that was not only 3-Free (as in Formaldehyde, Toulene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free) but was 5-Free, so it also excludes Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor! Zoya was actually the first nail brand that was 3-Free!

I had first noticed Zoya after one of my Glam and Green icons, Indie Lee, had tweeted a bit about them - I knew I had to get my hands on some of their polishes!

I was delighted to meet up with Ruvi, one of the reps for Zoya last year and imagine my surprise when I saw ALL the different colours

I got to try some of their summer collection "Beach and Surf" which I featured in my Glam and Green Gift Guide - I couldn't decide what colour I liked so I tried them all ;)

Zoya really has every colour you could think of and is such a fantastic brand! I managed to try out a few colours and bought some gorgeous ones so have a look out for when I post those reviews, I also tried the 18k Gold Top Coat!

To spread the Zoya love - Im giving away a stunning colour called 'Morgan' to a lucky reader!

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

competition ends 13 Feb - only open to SA residents

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Spring Care - Part 1

SPRING CARE

Part 1

 

 

September is one of my favourite months, because I know that spring has sprung which means my beloved summer is right around the corner!

 

Due to the popularity of my 'Autmun Care Segment' I decided to dedicate one to the best time of the year.. spring

 

 

 

Part 1 features the brilliant Tasha Saha from Miöja and the great CEO of Indie Lee Co herself, Indie Lee.

 

I hope you enjoy xXx

 

 

Tasha from Miöja

 

 

 

 

Spring-time…apple blossom, greening grass, baby animals! The world is on the move again and so it is within, as our bodies wake from the winter and begin to bloom. As the weather warms, this internal thaw can result in flu and colds, skin rashes and blemishes, congested sinuses and headaches. Inconvenient as they are, these are all signs that your body is beginning to throw off the fluids and toxins accumulated over a long winter: a healthy, positive process. This year, support your body’s innate wisdom and move in tune with nature by following these simple tips for a graceful shift into Spring.

 

spring clean- Spring is the natural time for undertaking a seasonal cleanse. Give your body the boost it needs by cutting out animal products, processed foods, sugar, alcohol and coffee for a week or longer to allow it to catch up on Winter’s cleansing backlog. Supplementing your morning juice with a teaspoon each of bentonite clay and psyllium husk will cleanse stagnant energy and matter from the digestive tract and often makes a vast contribution to looking and feeling more vibrant and alive. Twisting yoga asana assist the colon, liver and kidneys with elimination.

 

spring greens- Put aside the heavy, rich comfort foods and eat for life by incorporating more fresh greens into your diet. Leafy greens, particularly the bitter or sour varieties like dandelion, chicory or sorrel help to cleanse your liver for bright eyes, bushy tail and glowing skin. Try growing your own sprouts for food full of life force that packs a protein punch. More raw foods in your diet mean that your skin and your body’s other systems stay hydrated and happy, too.

 

spring skin- use skincare products with lighter, natural formulations to allow your skin’s elimination processes to function to their full. Moisturisers that include petrochemicals such as petrolatum, paraffin wax or mineral oil, can block pores and prevent toxins from being released, resulting in blemishes and blackheads. Try products that include detoxifying plant extracts to assist the process instead. Miöja’s Grapefruit and Fennel Intensive Therapy helps to draw excess fluids and toxins from your skin with a detox-specific blend of organic plant and essential oils.

 

click here for more info

 



spring blossom- use the energy and vitality of the season to initiate positive habits or start new projects. Let the kinder weather encourage you to get outdoors and get active, and love the world while you’re at it. Where Winter’s slow energies encourage us to nestle down and retreat, Spring brings fresh winds and vast potential- breathe in deep!

 

 

 

Thanks Tasha for that great information!

Indie Lee

 

 

Hey Everyone,

 

The changing seasons have been putting my body to the test this year. Hot to cold and back again really messes with my skin and body’s pH levels. As nature tries to find the right balance of temperature your skin can be as sensitive as ever before. No need to worry, I have an easy cure to leave your skin relaxed and reduce the irritation it may have suffered.

 

Two words: Calendula and oil. Calendula oil is derived from the calendula flower. The flower, which is edible, yum, begins to bloom and become pronounced each June. Beyond being beautiful and natural the plant oil provides immense relief to a multitude of ailments.

 

Did winter leave you with dry and chapped skin? Calendula acts as a natural moisturizer, soothing cracked areas and aiding the body’s natural healing process.

As an anti-inflammatory, calendula oil can greatly soothe inflamed and swollen tissue. This property allowed the oil to help with dry skin and eczema. For young children and newborns, soft skin means increased sensitivity in the first few years. Calendula oil works to balance the sensitivity of a toddler’s diaper rash by reducing the pain and irritation.

Since spring is here and summer right around the corner, all the little bugs and mites will be biting at your extremities. There is no better way to combat their nuisance with calendula oil. It prevents infections from the bites, helps heal cuts faster and soothes burners quicker.

 

Last, but not least, calendula works with the body’s natural chemicals to help raise collagen levels, making those scars less pronounced.

 

Because of calendula’s unique and helpful properties I use it in my Eye Balm, Baby Balm, and my new Body Lotion. I encourage you to all check them out!

 ~

Spring is in the air and as summer fast approaches, we start to show some skin. Here are three simple recipes that’ll keep your skin looking great and feeling refreshed. The recipes, made in minutes, are all natural and simple for someone on-the-go.

 

TANGERINE FACE CREAM

Tangerine face cream helps keep your face moisturized and smooth.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons of raw mango butter
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 tangerine’s worth of juice
• 1 capsule of vitamin E oil

Mix the mango butter, sour cream, and vitamin E oil in a blender, then puree. While pureeing, mix the tangerine juice in. Enjoy!

 

APPLE AND HONEY ACNE TREATMENT

This paste helps clear up acne and leaves your skin looking and feeling great.

INGREDIENTS

• Honey
• Grated Apples

Mix the honey with grated apples until a paste is formed. Apply and leave on for 15-20 minutes to allow time to dry. Rinse with warm water. This can be done 2 to 3 times a week.

 

COCONUT OIL AND BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

This scrub helps exfoliate your skin and leaves it smelling great!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup virgin coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Find a jar or container and put the brown sugar in. Add the coconut oil and stir it thoroughly. Then, add in the vanilla extract. Mix well. Remember to be gentle, no one wants over exfoliated skin! This should be done about once a week.

 

xoxo Indie

 

Thanks so much for this information Indie and the easy DIY beauty treatments we can all try at home!

 

For more info on Mioja and Indie Lee - click on the following links:

 

Posts including Mioja

Posts including Indie Lee

 

 

I really hope you all enjoyed Part 1 of my 'Spring Care Segment' ~ let me know your thoughts?

 

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

 



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Glam and Green Autumn Care - Part 2

Part 2 on how to take care of your skin and body in Autumn

Carrying on from my previous post - Glam and Green Autumn Care - Part 1 - Part 2 will have Sue Rowan from Balm Balm and Indie Lee from Indie Lee Co share what they believe you should know in order to take care of your skin in Autumn

Hope you all enjoy and can relate to the information presented

 Sue Rowan from Balm Balm shares her Autumn care tips and recommends products for you to try:

AUTUMN SKIN TIPS

Water can sometimes have a drying effect on your skin, so long, hot showers and baths may dry your skin out even more in the cold winter months.  Use an Oil Spray in the shower while your pores are open and your skin is wet.  This light oil emulsion will keep the healthy natural oils locked in and won’t dry your skin out.  Spray it into a bath as well and swirl around for a soft, non-oily bath.  It will also save you time in the morning by cutting out the need for a body moisturiser. 

This spray is light enough for those summer or autumn months when you don’t necessarily need a heavy moisturiser just yet.  You can use it once or twice a day on wet or dry skin.  In the evening, if you feel you need an extra boost of moisture, warm some organic Face Balm into your palms and massage all over - it is deeply moisturising for when your skin needs something a bit heavier)

-         Look for products that contain Jojoba Oil.  It moisturizes dry skin exceptionally well, due to its unique similarity to the skin's natural oil.  It’s often been referred to as ‘nature’s collagen’

-         Try and use natural/organic oils as they are easily absorbed deep into your skin where you need it the most

Thank you so much Sue xXx! The Bath & Body oil is definitely on my list of products to get!

Here's what Indie Lee had to suggest:

While the weather is getting cooler you still need to hydrate. We often forget to drink as much water as the winter approaches.

Your skin renews itself every 28 days - Don't forget to exfoliate with a natural body scrub once a week in the shower to remove dead cells and keep your skin glowing.

Body oils are wonderful to hydrate your skin during winter months. Remember to read your labels though. Petrolatum based oils are occlusive and therefore do not penetrate (or hydrate) your skin. Here's an easy body oil recipe that's great for massages too. You can use your favorite essential oils to change the scent. http://vimeo.com/15528732

Thank you Indie xXx

I definitely agree with Indie Lee and Sue Rowan about using oils, I've always been a big fan of using oils to moisturise the body.
I love adding a few drops of esssentail oil to my bath water - lavendar is my favourite for when I want to unwind. Eucaluptus oil is great during the winter months as it is a natural decongestive.

What are your favourite oils?

Here are a few links to previous posts on Balm Balm & Indie Lee:

Stay Glam and Green with Balm Balm

Balm Balm's Little Miracle Serum

Interviewing The Glam and Green Indie Lee

Look at for Part 3 coming soon ;)

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

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Interviewing The Glam and Green Indie Lee

Indie Lee

Recently I stumbled upon a fascinating questionnaire with an eco-beauty on Beautylish , straight away i knew that I had to know more about Indie Lee..

I wish I could've interviewed Indie in person, but alas, New York and Cape Town are a great distance apart, thank heavens for email

Interviewing The Glam and Green Indie Lee



1.      Hello Indie, so nice to connect! I read an article on you on Beautylish and was immediately intrigued by you! Please will you share your story with The Glam Green Girl readers?

Glad to hear about new followers everyday! My story begins on Earth Day 2009, I awoke from brain surgery to discover that a potentially fatal tumor had been successfully removed. The doctors discussed that environmental toxins may have been the source, and I immediately examined each and every product I was putting on my skin. I did not even know how to pronounce some of the ingredients, let alone understand what they could be doing to my body. From that moment forth, I devoted myself to leading a healthier life and promoting consumer awareness. I definitely went back to basics. I began using the best, all-natural ingredients available and created my own line of luxury beauty products. This experience fostered me to craft a new saying; what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it.  The past few years have taught me to treasure life’s every moment and always let your inner beauty shine through. I try to represent these lessons in each product I design. Most importantly, I want my story to remind consumers that they are the ones with power and can enact more change than they realize.

2.      I read an interview where you explain your name change, what was it all about?

When I was sick I blogged under the name Indie Lee. The name was a way for me to keep my independence, my control, in the face of this ailment I was going through. I have always been an independent spirit and people nicknamed me; Indie. The name stuck. When I pulled through the surgery, I decided it was time to change things up. I changed my name to better represent my strength and the experience in a way I never thought possible.

3.   What is Indie Lee & Co. about?

Indie Lee & Co. is the embodiment of my experience. I decided that no one should have to experience the anxiety and fear I faced in 2009. Helping people avoid my story became my main goal. I founded the company to create the natural alternative to the toxic ingredients consumers use unknowingly every day. Beyond the products, I wanted the company to serve as a rallying point for consumer advocacy and empowerment. I’ve hosted a number of forums online to help promote the national conversation about what we use on our bodies. I’m making this effort a top priority on the web along with other forms of media.

4.      How has the process of creating natural products been?

Enlightening and fun. I get to use my creative side when thinking of the next big product to develop or enhancing what people already love to be timeless…and natural! The process also gets pretty scary at times. To read and see what is currently used in a largely unregulated field is shocking. A majority of health and beauty goods haven’t been updated in over 77 years and follow regulations from the 1930s! I say it’s time to update our laws and keep consumers safe.

5.      What advice would you give when people are shopping around for green products?

My biggest, BIGGEST thing I would say is to read your labels. Most consumers do not take the time to read what they are putting on their bodies. Even when they do read, the font is small, and the words are big. This makes for a confusing purchase. Companies do not expect you to research each ingredient while shopping. The trend is now working against them, as Johnson & Johnson just pulled baby products from the shelves due to consumer awareness. In addition, a lot of products allude to being natural, when, they are in fact, not. Less than 15 minutes of research can reveal over 15 years of potential damage.

6.      What is your favourite natural ingredient and why?

Everything requires balance. It would be extremely hard for me to pick out one, single product. I use the squalane oil just as much as I use my shampoo. Each product fits in perfectly to every-day use, but they are, of course, all natural. But, if I had to choose, I would say the best product is anything that nature made. Why tamper with what already works perfectly?

7.      Lastly, whats your number one non-beauty related green tip?

That’s easy. Reduce, reuse, recycle. We use way to much on this small planet we call home. Everything needs to come in moderation and everyone needs to do their part. We must take action now to safeguard a healthy, sustainable planet for a children’s future no matter how painful it seems in the short term.

Thank you Indie Lee for your great answers

For more information, tips, as well as a great section in which Indie teaches what are good ingredients, check out her site Indie Lee , you can also follow her tweets @Indie_Lee and mine GlamGreenGirl for more tips and info on being glam and green

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

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